The Adriatic coast has some of the most beautiful holiday spots in Europe, but sometimes they can feel overcrowded and overrun by tourists.

If you’re looking for an impressive historical town that’s surrounded by nature to visit this summer, you might want to check out this stunning fortified city in Montenegro.

Much like its Croatian neighbour Dubrovnik, Kotor has a rich history and plenty of medieval buildings to visit – but it’s much lesser-known.

According to The Independent, visitors can escape the “heaving hordes at Dubrovnik in Croatia and head for the pretty, fortified town of Kotor on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast instead”.

Kotor is “a glorious medieval maze of museums, churches and palaces” surrounded by the “brooding mountains” of the Dinaric Alps.

The old town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its well-preserved architecture, charming squares, and historic buildings.

The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon is an imposing Romanesque building, built in 1166, and it is one of Kotor’s most iconic landmarks, with frescoes and a treasury that boasts a collection of relics.

Kotor’s rich maritime history can be appreciated in exhibits featuring model ships, nautical instruments, and historic documents at the Maritime Museum.

For breathtaking views of Kotor Bay and the town below, climb the ancient city walls to the top of St John’s Fortress. The hike is steep but worth it for the panoramic look of the bay.

If you’re not keen on walking, but still want to admire the sheer dimension of this magnificent bay, you can take a boat tour that showcases the island of Our Lady of the Rocks and the charming town of Perast.

In July, Kotor celebrates the Kotor Art Festival, inviting visitors and locals to immerse themselves in the region’s cultural scene with over 200 programs at numerous venues.

Just a short drive from Kotor, this national park offers stunning mountain landscapes, hiking trails, and the Mausoleum of Njegoš, which provides spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Nearby town Budva also enjoys a vibrant nightlife and boasts a historic Old Town, and if you’re feeling fancy, the town of Tivat has a luxurious marina, Porto Montenegro, where impressive super yachts can be spotted.